Location & Hours

We are located at 1504 Skyline Drive, just off U.S. Route 285  at the northern edge of Carlsbad, New Mexico.  The zoo is 3,200 feet atop the Ocotillo Hills overlooking the city and the Pecos River. 

Hours

The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. 

The zoo is open from  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Last entrance into the zoo is at 3:30 PM.

Admission Fees

• Adult (13+ years old)………….................…$5.00
• Children (7 – 12 years old)…….…...............$3.00
• Children (6 years and under)…….…............Free
• Group Rates (20+ people)…….....................$3.00 per person (Reservations appreciated)
• Youth Education Groups (20+ people)....….$0.50 per person (Reservations appreciated) 
• Friends of the Living Desert Members…...…FREE (with membership)
• Members of AZA accredited zoos or aquariums that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program will receive free or half-price admission. (See AZA's website for more details)

• In the summer, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  We recommend visiting the park early in the day to avoid the worst of the heat.
• It is important to drink plenty of water.  There are drinking fountains and bottle refill stations located in the park.  It is best to either bring your own bottle or purchase water at the park (available from the Gift Shop of vending machines).
• We recommend wearing good walking shoes, a hat, and sunblock for touring the park.

We have two electric mobility scooters available for rent for $5.00 each (subject to availability).  Scooters are rented on a first come, first served basis.

Strollers are available to borrow free of charge (subject to availability).  They are borrowed on a first come, first served basis.

• Minors 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the zoo.

You can find information on upcoming events here!

Restaurants are located within a few miles of the park.  Snack and drink vending machines are located in the Visitor Center, and drinks and ice cream can be purchased in the Gift Shop.  Zoo visitors are welcome to use the picnic tables located inside the park, near the Visitor Center.

Note: School groups that plan to eat at the zoo should reserve the picnic tables beforehand.

For the health and safety of your animals and ours, only service animals are permitted in the zoo.  We do not have kennels for boarding your pets while visiting the park.  Do not leave pets in your vehicle, especially when it's hot.